Larry Bates

Laurence Albert “Larry” Bates, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 7, 2026, at his home. He was under the care of Mission Home Health and Hospice.

Larry was born March 25, 1947, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Paul Jennings Bates and Helen Fish Bates. He grew up and attended schools in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Westwood High School.

On May 29, 1974, he married Vera “Ellen” Bates in Manti, Utah. Larry and Ellen lived in Mesa, Arizona, until 1990 when they moved to Nampa, Idaho, and then to Idaho Falls in 2003. There, Larry worked as a custodian for Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was very service-oriented. He enjoyed anything music related, reading, and spending time with family.

Larry is survived by his wife, Ellen Bates of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Rhonda Lee (John) Howard of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Rebekah Lynn (Bernie) Brennan of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Anna Bates of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Aimee Jeanette Bates of Boise, ID; son, Laurence Albert (Laura) Bates, Jr. of Nampa, ID; brother, Richard Wayne Bates of Mesa, AZ; sister, Kathryn Bates of Mesa, AZ; sister, Barbara (Rick) Shumway of Mesa, AZ; sister, Diane Bates of Mesa, AZ; and 8 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Jennings Bates, Jr.; and son, Paul Jennings Bates, III.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Brookview Ward, 2055 Coronado Street, with Bishop Warren Harris officiating. The family will visit with friends from 9-9:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.